The Pentagon is exploring the possibility of sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. This move aims to enhance military options for President Donald Trump as he promotes a 15-point peace plan that has been communicated to Iran.
Officials from the Department of Defense, familiar with the planning, indicated that these forces would join approximately 5,000 Marines and elite paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division already stationed in the region. The exact locations for the deployment remain unclear, but it is suggested that they may operate within range of Iran and the strategic Khark Island, a key oil export hub off the Iranian coast.
Speculation has arisen that President Trump might order U.S. forces to seize the island as part of efforts to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has faced Iranian blockades. Anna Kelly, Deputy Press Secretary at the White House, stated, “All announcements regarding troop deployments will come from the Department of Defense. As we have said, President Trump always has military options at his disposal.”
A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East, declined to comment on the situation.
On March 26, President Trump announced a temporary halt to military operations targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, a decision he attributed to a request from the Iranian government. He stated, “Let this statement serve as confirmation that I am pausing the destruction of energy facilities for 10 days, until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.” Trump also claimed that negotiations with Iran are ongoing and asserted that, despite misleading media reports, they are progressing well.
On February 28, the U.S. commenced a joint military operation with Israel against Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and strikes on military and nuclear sites within the country. In retaliation, Iran has targeted U.S. bases and allied infrastructure in the Persian Gulf region.
Following the initiation of this operation, Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway that connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. This strait is vital for the transportation of oil from Gulf nations to global markets.
The Pentagon is considering deploying additional troops to the Middle East to bolster military options amid ongoing tensions with Iran. This follows recent military operations and a temporary halt to actions against Iranian energy infrastructure as negotiations continue.
Source: The Wall Street Journal